The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the Supreme Court to intervene in petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The Act prohibits altering the character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, or filing lawsuits to reclaim such places. IUML’s Lok Sabha MP, E.T. Muhammed Basheer, filed the plea, citing the law’s critical role in maintaining communal harmony and preserving India’s secular fabric.

The party’s plea emphasized the necessity of the 1991 Act, particularly in light of recent communal tensions in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The plea stated that had the Act been implemented effectively, such incidents—and the loss of lives—could have been avoided. IUML argued that the Act affirms the state’s duty to uphold secularism, a cornerstone of the Constitution. Highlighting the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of the Act in its Ayodhya verdict, the plea urged the dismissal of petitions challenging the law, arguing that it protects the secular character of the nation and ensures the peaceful coexistence of all religions.

The matter is set to be heard by a three-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. IUML’s submission reinforced the significance of the Act in addressing historical injustices without reigniting conflicts. The party called on the judiciary to uphold the law’s intent, ensuring the protection of religious places and fostering harmony among communities.